Partial Edentulousness in a Rural Population Based on Kennedy's Classification: Epidemiological Study

INTRODUCTION: Edentulousness falls in a special category among the various conditions of dental origin. A simple estimation of the partial edentulous condition is a rough indication of the prevalence of dental diseases and success or failure of dental care. METHODOLOGY: In this study a cross sectional survey was carried out among 1000 patients of rural population in JKK Nataraja Dental College, Komarapalayam, Namakkal District, Tamilnadu, India. The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiological features of partial edentulous condition in the age group of 30-60 years in a rural Population based on the Kennedy classification. A pre tested questionnaire was Used in this study. RESULT: Chi-square test was conducted and results were obtained and P value <0.05 was considered stastically significant. CONCLUSION: The study revealed Kennedy Class III partially edentulous condition was more common than other conditions. There is significant correlation between lack of awareness, education and socio-economic status in relation to loss of teeth among population.